Minnesotan Won't Pick Side For His Short Term in Senate

By CARL HULSE

Published: November 12, 2002

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11—
Dean Barkley, the political independent appointed to serve briefly as a senator from Minnesota, announced today that he would not align himself with either party during his short tenure, leaving Democrats in control of the Senate for the start of a post-election session that begins on Tuesday.

In a statement, Mr. Barkley, who is filling a vacancy caused by the death of Paul Wellstone, a Democrat, said he believed that remaining independent would be in keeping with the character of Mr. Wellstone, whom he described as ''one of the most independent thinkers in the long history of the Congress.''

''Rather than adding to the partisanship that so often characterizes Congress,'' he said, ''I would like to focus on bridging differences and helping to move important legislation forward.''

Congressional aides said the decision maintains the Democratic hold on the Senate for at least another week.

Victories in last week's election mean that Republicans will be in charge for the session that begins on Jan. 7. The practical effect of Mr. Barkley's decision might be small because both Senators Tom Daschle, the Democratic majority leader, and Trent Lott, the Republican minority leader, have said they want to accomplish similar things in the lame-duck session, with a priority given to passing legislation creating a Department of Homeland Security.

''They have virtually the same agenda for the lame-duck,'' said Ranit Schmelzer, a spokeswoman for Mr. Daschle.

Mr. Barkley's decision not to vote with either party for the purpose of picking a Senate leader keeps the Democrats with a temporary 50-49 edge by virtue of Senator James M. Jeffords, independent of Vermont, who sides with Democrats. Had Mr. Barkley voted with Republicans, the resulting 50-50 tie could have been broken in Mr. Lott's favor by Vice President Dick Cheney.

The Democrats' power will be short-lived. As soon as the election of James M. Talent of Missouri, a Republican, is certified, possibly by the end of next week, Mr. Talent could be seated and the balance of power would then tip to his party if the Senate is still in session. For the session that begins in January, the Republicans will have at least a 51-49 edge, and Mr. Barkley will be replaced by Norm Coleman, the Republican who defeated Walter F. Mondale for Mr. Wellstone's seat last week.

Besides the domestic security measure, Senators Daschle and Lott have said they would like to consider legislation that has been in negotiations between the House and Senate, including government-subsidized terrorism insurance and seaport security. The House and Senate will also have to adopt stalled spending bills or pass general legislation financing government agencies, because the current measure expires on Nov. 22.

Mr. Barkley said his priorities included the domestic security bill and improved health insurance coverage for mental illness, which was also a goal of Mr. Wellstone.

Mr. Barkley will be sworn in on Tuesday, and the Senate will pay tribute to Mr. Wellstone before moving to legislative matters.

Mr. Barkley had been approached by both party leaders about which way he might vote. He said he consulted with other independents, like Mr. Jeffords; the former presidential candidate John Anderson of Illinois; and Lowell P. Weicker Jr., the former governor of Connecticut.